Australia's wine industry | australia.gov.au Australia's wine industry Australian food and drink Australia's wine industry In just 200 years, Australia's wine industry has grown from a few small plantings to an industry renowned throughout the world for quality, innovation and depth. In fact, Australia is consistently one of the top ten wine producing countries in the world and is one of the few countries that produces every one of the major wine styles. Jacob's Creek. The origins of our wine industry As Australia had no native grape varieties suitable for wine-making, grapes were imported from Europe and much of the wine produced was shipped back to the United Kingdom. The first known record of successful European grape production in Australia dates from 1791, when Watkin Tench wrote: On 24th January two bunches of grapes were cut in the Governor's garden from cuttings of vines brought three years before from the Cape of Good Hope. The Governor's garden was located in what is now Sydney's Macquarie Street, one of the busiest streets in the city. Shortly after, John Macarthur established the earliest commercial vineyard in the coastal region around Sydney at 'Camden Park'.

Early wine production at Lindemans, established in the Hunter Valley (New South Wales) in 1843. Image courtesy of Lindemans. Encouraged by these early successes, between 1820 and 1840 settlers gradually established vineyards in New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria and finally South Australia. In 1822 Gregory Blaxland shipped 136 litres of wine to London, where it was awarded the silver medal by the forerunner of the Royal Society of Arts. Five years later a larger shipment of Blaxland's wine won their gold Ceres medal. This was to be the first of many international medals won by Australian wines. 1850s gold rush The discovery of gold in eastern Australia in 1852 initially meant a temporary loss of labour from vineyards in New South Wales and Victoria. However, the consequent increase in population saw vineyards expand their operations to supply the demand from diggers.

The Land Selection Acts passed in the colonies between 1860 and 1872 led to a rapid expansion of vineyards as land was unlocked for development; between 1851 and 1871 the area under vines increased from 2,510 hectares to 6,880 hectares. Export of Australian wines to England increased dramatically from an average of 31,850 litres a year in the period 1854-63 to 145,600 litres a year in the period 1863-85. 1900-1920s The coming of Federation in 1901 removed trade barriers between the states and further expanded the market for wines. A feature of this period was the emergence of larger, often old-established firms who carried on operations in a number of localities. For example, McWilliams, established in Corowa, New South Wales, was the first to move into the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, soon followed by Penfolds and Seppelt. After the First World War, vines were planted in various soldier settlements which temporarily increased production.

Overproduction though, and consequently lower prices for some grape varieties, meant that some vineyards couldn't compete economically and many vineyards collapsed. In 1925, the British government allowed preferential duty for Empire wines, which meant that Australia could economically export fortified wines; this further stimulated the industry. 1940-1950s During World War Two, exports to Britain practically ceased due to lack of shipping space. After the war, exports resumed on a smaller scale. By the 1950s, the wine industry was thriving in Australia, with South Australia the centre of production. The end of the Second World War saw an influx of European immigrants into Australia, bringing new skills in wine production. As new techniques were introduced and developed, and as Australians gained a taste for the newer, finer wines, consumption of wine in Australia grew rapidly. 1970s to the present From the mid 1970s to today, Australia's love affair with wine has continued to grow. The industry is stronger than ever, employing thousands, many of whom have completed one of the viticulture courses offered at Australian educational institutions. Small boutique wineries have been established throughout Australia, often by retirees or people wanting to escape city life.

Australia's wine industry has become more than just another industry - it has become a lifestyle for many Australians and winery tours a must for tourists. Wine regions of Australia Today, the main wine producing regions of Australia remain in the cooler south east of the country. There are about 60 wine-producing regions throughout Australia. Vineyards in South Australia (e.g. Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra), Victoria (e.g. Swan Hill, Yarra Valley, Rutherglen) and New South Wales (e.g. Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Riverina) produce most of Australia's wine, with Tasmania, Queensland (e.g. South Burnett, Stanthorpe) and southwest Western Australia (e.g. Margaret River, Swan District) also contributing well recognised products. But it is not unusual to find a working, productive vineyard almost anywhere in Australia. In fact, even Alice Springs, in the dry red centre of the country, boasts a boutique vineyard. Snow-covered vines in Orange, NSW. Image courtesy of Logan Wines. As wine has become more popular in Australian society, it has become a part of the culture.

The rise in popularity of wine appreciation courses, wine bars and boutique wineries has shown that Australians are serious about their wine. Where we once used to head off to the beach for the weekend, many Australians are now heading off on tours of regional wineries for tastings and winemaking demonstrations. Wine festivals are also a feature of cultural life in the major wine producing regions of Australia and draw many Australian holidaymakers and international visitors each year. The largest such festival is the biennial Tasting Australia, but almost every wine growing region and state has an annual wine festival where local wine, food and culture can be sampled. For example, the Margaret River Wine Region Festival celebrates wine with music and food events. What's special about Australia's wine industry? Australia is such a large country that almost every climate and soil type can be found. This means that we are able to produce all of the major wine types, from red wines to white wines, fortified wines (such as port), and sweet wines to sparkling wines. Cowra vineyard. Image courtesy of Tourism New South Wales. It is not just the climate and variety that makes our wine special.

Places such as the National Wine Centre in Adelaide and the National Wine and Grape Centre are leading the world in research and education. Students can study viticulture (grape growing) and wine making at university and, once they have graduated, are in high demand throughout the world. Australia also has some of the oldest grape vines in the world. Many of Europe's established vineyards were destroyed by disease in the 1800s with the only survivors being the vines brought to Australia. In order to preserve these, our viticulturalists have developed some of the vine management techniques now used throughout the world. We have also invented ways to produce wines with fewer chemicals and, of course, Australia is the home of the wine cask. Australian wines can now be found for sale in over 100 countries. In fact, we are one of the main exporters of wine in the world and the United Kingdom now imports more wine from Australia than it does from France. Australian wines have won medals at almost every major international wine competition and set records for the price of a single bottle. And just think, all this since that first bunch of grapes was harvested just over 200 years ago.

Useful links Australia's Wine Regions - Tourism Australia Australia's Wine Regions Australia's Wine Regions Australia has more than 60 designated wine regions across the country and has developed a worldwide reputation for its award-winning wines. Site Requires Javascript - turn on javascript! Australia.com does not support the internet browser you are using. Please upgrade to a more recent browser so that you can explore the destinations and experiences that await you as you plan your Australian holiday. Welcome to the official Australian tourism website. This site uses cookies. Find out more . Add Share Learn more about Australia’s acclaimed wine regions, from Western Australia’s Margaret River to the Barossa Valley near Adelaide. Australia has more than 60 designated wine regions across the country and has developed a worldwide reputation for its award-winning wines. Discover some of the world's oldest shiraz vineyards in South Australia's Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, or award-winning sauvignon blanc in Western Australia's Margaret River. Join one of the winery events held in the Hunter Valley near Sydney, or taste the flagship chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines of the Yarra Valley near Melbourne. Almost every wine growing region has an annual festival where local wine, food and culture can be sampled.

The largest is the biennial Tasting Australia, which showcases some of the very best Australia has to offer. Guide to the Hunter Valley Guide to the Hunter Valley Barossa Valley South Australia's Barossa Valley is one of Australia's oldest and the world's finest wine producing regions. First settled in 1842 by European immigrants, it still retains its old-world charm. There are around 150 wineries and cellar doors in the Barossa Valley. The Barossa Valley is also renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants. Drive the Barossa's food and wine trails or explore the countryside by bicycle. You can also tour the region by motorbike, vintage car, hot air balloon or helicopter. Unwind in a day spa or play golf on one of the championship courses. Clare Valley The Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. It is best known for its Riesling wine, and is often called the home of Australian Riesling. Its Mediterranean-style climate is ideal for the production of quality Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Merlot grapes.

The Clare Valley has more than 40 wineries, most of which are small and located along a 40 kilometre corridor between the towns of Auburn and Clare. Walk or cycle the Riesling Trail which connects many of the region's major attractions and cellar doors, or travel in style and explore the region by limousine. McLaren Vale McLaren Vale boasts around 65 wineries, mostly boutique-sized. About 270 independent grape growers can also be found here. Visit weekend farmer's markets and pack your picnic hamper with fresh bread, cheese, olives and fruit or linger over lunch in a picturesque vineyard restaurant. Walk, cycle or horse ride along the Shiraz Trail, which follows an old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga. Then soak up the region's artistic culture on one of the many driving and walking trails. Yarra Valley The Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 wineries, ranging from small, family-owned operations to large estates. The region is renowned for producing Australia's finest pinot noir and sparkling wine, along with a range of other cool-climate wines. It was Victoria's first planted wine region back in 1838.

The region is known for its fresh produce including freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, organically grown fruit and vegetables and handmade cheeses and preserves. Follow one of the many self-drive wine trails and fill your picnic hamper on the Yarra Valley Food Trail or at the many huge, fresh food markets. Swan Valley Just north of Perth on the Swan River, lies the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region. Handpick a bottle or two from one of the Swan Valley's state-of-the-art boutique wineries. Follow the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail and indulge your appetite in fine restaurants, relaxed winery cafes, breweries and distilleries, and roadside stalls selling fresh local produce. Dine alfresco in vineyard restaurants or pack a picnic and head to a national park. Cycle the historic Swan Valley Heritage Trail or explore the region in a romantic horse-drawn carriage, chauffeured limousine or a gourmet cruise on the Swan River. Moorilla, Tasmania Wine meets Mona Art Price includes return ferry transfers, Mona entry, guided vineyard and winery tour, lunch and tutored tasting. From A$ 150 /per person Enjoy a guided winery tour, wine tasting and a 3 course lunch with matching wines.

From A$ 240 /per person Change your country and language Change your country Business Events © Tourism Australia 2017 *Product Disclaimer: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through this website. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

{"PageInfo":{"component":"PageInfo"},"Hero":{"component":"Hero","subTitle":"","title":"Wine Regions"},"TagCloud":{"tagList":"[Food and Wine]","component":"TagCloud"},"ImageMapWithCityLink":{"component":"ImageMapWithCityLink"},"WhatYouCanSee":{"component":"WhatYouCanSee","title":""},"SpecialOffer":{"component":"SpecialOffer","altText":"Vasse Felix, Western Australia","price":"240","pricePerText":"per person","currency":"From A$","text":"Epicurean Experience<\/b> Enjoy a guided winery tour, wine tasting and a 3 course lunch with matching wines.","title":"Vasse Felix, Western Australia","viewMoreInformationLink":""}} Barossa Valley, South Australia - Tourism Australia Add Share South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions. First settled in 1842 by European immigrants, it still retains its old-world charm. There are around 150 wineries and cellar doors in the Barossa Valley. Half of the cellar doors are open to the public, but most of the others happily open by appointment. Many conduct tours of their estates and wine-making facilities.

The Barossa Valley is also renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants. Drive the Barossa's food and wine trails or explore the countryside by bicycle. You can also tour the region by motorbike, vintage car, hot air balloon or helicopter. Unwind in a day spa or play golf on one of the championship courses. Jacob's Creek, Barossa Valley, SA The magic of Barossa Valley's world-acclaimed wines lies in the diversity of its growing conditions. The Eden Valley produces distinctive cool-climate wine varieties; while the region's flagship shiraz is grown in the warmer, low-lying areas. The Barossa Valley is also renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants. Jacob's Creek was the Barossa Valley's first commercial vineyard and one of the oldest in the region. Penfolds and Seppeltsfield are other iconic Australian wine names found in the Barossa Valley. The Louise offers luxury accommodation amongst the vineyards as well as one of Australia's finest regional dining experiences at Appellation Restaurant. Jacob’s Creek, South Australia Jacob’s Creek Cooking Class Enjoy a cooking class followed by a leisurely lunch matched with Creek wines.

From A$ 175 /per person Jacob's Creek, Barossa Valley, SA Drive the Barossa's carefully-designed food and wine trails or explore the countryside by bicycle. Taste delicious home-baked breads, smoked meats and other regional produce on the Butcher, Baker and Winemaker Trail. Or sample the hand-made cheeses along the Barossa Cheese and Wine Trail. The Barossa Heritage Trail links many historic sites and cellar doors housed in historic buildings. Visit charming heritage towns and discover the work of local artists at galleries, antique and craft shops. Learn more about the Barossa's rich history on the heritage trail which stretches from Kapunda in the north to Mt Pleasant in the south. The Tanunda Heritage Trail shows historic photos and stories of the early days of the Barossa and offers a rare insight into this unique part of Australia. Local companies offer a range of tours, from coach tours to more personalised experiences such as motorbikes, vintage cars, hot air balloon rides and helicopters. Seppeltsfield Wines, Barossa Valley, SA The Barossa Valley is also an ideal place to indulge and unwind. Play golf amongst the gum-trees on one of the Barossa's championship courses or relax in a day spa.

You can taste a broad selection of Barossa Valley wines during Adelaide's annual Cellar Door Wine Festival in February or Aussie Wine Month in April. The region's annual major event, the Barossa Gourmet Weekend, is in August. The Barossa Valley is approximately 70 kilometres from Adelaide . Seppeltsfield, South Australia Taste Your Birth Year Try your own birth year vintage Tawny directly from the barrel. Price includes guided tour and tasting. From A$ 75 /per person Australia's Wine Region (Map) | Wine Folly Printed on 90 lb archival matte paper with lightfast soy inks. What is Australia Known For? As you might guess, Australia’s main vineyard produce is Shiraz followed by Chardonnay. The two varieties make up 44% of the total wine production. What the production totals don’t say is that Australia is trying to diversify. Many of the Chardonnay and Shiraz plantings are being ripped out in favor of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Where is Australian Wine Country? The largest wine production region by far is South Australia. One major city in South Australia is home to the Australian Wine Research Institute ( awri ).

AWRI is responsible for much of the world’s research on dry farming techniques and commercial wine operation. Besides South Australia, keep your eyes peeled for the two up-and-coming wine regions: Western Australia and Victoria. How Big is the Aussie Wine Industry? There are 420,000 acres (2009) of vineyards planted throughout Australia that produce upwards of 1.46 billion bottles of wine a year–enough wine to fill up a honda civic gas tank 26,000 times. Top Australia Wine Regions The three major wine regions in Australia by shear volume are South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. South Australia and NSW tend to be more famous for their warm climate varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon whereas Victoria is known for cool climate-loving Pinot Noir. South Australia Adelaide is the hub of the largest wine growing region in Australia. A few miles from Adelaide is Barossa Valley, South Australia’s most prestigious growing area. It’s interesting to note that the majority of the wine from the area is actually grown in Lower Murray and Fleurieu (see the geeky list of GIs below) Welcome to Barossa Valley… good luck finding a road sign.

Barossa Valley–oldest living vineyards in the world?! 45 minutes from Adelaide are the rolling hills of Barossa Valley. The region is unique because of its isolation from the rest of the world. Phylloxera hasn’t yet infected vineyard soils in Barossa, which means it’s home to some of the oldest living vineyards in the world. The man in the tank top is Fraser McKinley, the winemaker of Massena and Standish Wine Company. What to seek out from South Australia Old Vine Shiraz is definitely top notch, it’s both smoky and rich with spice. Famous producers in the area include Penfolds, Elderton and Rockford. Keep your eyes peeled for red blends called GSM: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre –The major blending grapes used in French Southern Rhone wines. The view from Paulett’s Winery into Clare Valley Barossa Valley is flanked by 2 famous regions for white wine. Clare Valley produces some of the richest Riesling in Australia and Eden Valley is known for its very minerally and dry Rieslings. Do you like Wine Folly? New South Wales The major production in New South Wales comes from the inland Big Rivers Zone.

This area has historically produced much of the commercial Chardonnay and Shiraz from Australia. However, because of severe drought in recent years, more wine grape growers are experimenting with drought friendly varieties like Tempranillo and Verdelho. Victoria Commercial winemaking in North West Victoria makes up the majority of wine production in the entire region. However, the growing areas of interest are cooler and closer to Melbourne such as Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. The cool climate areas in Victoria have received a lot of praise for their Pinot Noir . A hot day in November in the middle of nowhere South Australia Go There! Done with Australia? See the highlights of Portugal! Adelaide | South Australia | Great Wine Capitals Great Wine Capitals NO RESULTS RETURNED BY THIS SLIDER Discover the Capitals Verona Italy Adelaide | South Australia Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia and the gateway to 18 distinctive, world renowned wine regions. Located between the white sand beaches to the west and the cool, rolling hills to the east, Adelaide boasts an eclectic small bar scene, restaurants that embrace Australia’s cultural diversity and the most vibrant food market precinct in the country.

Wine is an integral part of life in Adelaide and the city offers a diverse range of opportunities to taste it and talk about it, combined with excellent local produce and food, stunning scenery and unique tourism experiences. There are more than 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of Adelaide city encompassing all manner of varietals and experiences. Some cellar doors are heritage stone buildings, others are contemporary and modern. Many offer excellent dining facilities and tours. The 18 wine regions South Australia are found in some of the most picturesque parts of the state, from the southern Flinders Ranges (where the great Australian outback begins) and the banks of the mighty Murray River to picturesque Kangaroo Island (KI to the locals), where you can combine wine tasting with spotting wildlife and walking among sea lions. Adelaide has 30km of white, sandy beaches along its suburban coastline and a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Wine South Australia’s 18 wine regions have a diverse variation in climate, topography, rainfall and terroir resulting in a variety of wines and styles. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc thrive along the ridges and valleys of the cool Adelaide Hills.

The Clare Valley produces pristine, crisp, dry Riesling and 300km to the south, the Coonawarra grows exceptional Cabernet and Merlot. While we are world famous for our Shiraz, we have also embraced a greater range of Mediterranean varietals. Grapes such as Grenache, Tempranillo, Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese, Fiano, Vermentino and Mourvedre require less water and thrive in our warm climate with fewer inputs in the vineyard resulting in increased sustainability. The wines made from these grapes in our warm regions, have great natural balance, complexity and flavour. South Australia has more than 3,400 grape growers, over 700 wineries and an estimated 76,000 hectares under vine. In 2014–15, the industry produced 738,000 tonnes of grapes valued at AUD$470 million. South Australia has more than 300 cellar doors where visitors can taste wines and purchase directly from the vineyard.

The 18 South Australia wine regions are: Adelaide Hills Riverland Adelaide, a Centre for Research, Winemaking and Viticultural Education The University of Adelaide School of Agriculture, Food and Wine is a world-class centre for the study of Viticulture and Oenology. The programs have an international reputation for excellence. The Waite campus, 5km from the Adelaide central business district, houses state-of-the-art facilities including its own vineyard, winery and wine science laboratory. The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), also based at the Waite campus, is the Australian grape and wine industry’s own research organisation. It supports a sustainable and successful grape and wine industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer. Established in 1955, the AWRI is part of a unique Wine Industry Cluster that also includes the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the national science body the CSIRO, the University of Adelaide’s Wine Science Group and the Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production. History South Australia’s wine history may be short by Old World standards, but it is incredibly rich. This prestigious place in the wine world was born of equal parts vision, planning and hard work. And it all happened quickly.

Barely three years after the original Colony was founded in 1836, a German settler saw the immense potential of the area north of Adelaide we now know as the Barossa Valley, noting a resemblance to France’s famous Rhone Valley. Just a handful of years later, vineyards were flourishing in the Barossa to the north, McLaren Vale to the south and the nearby Adelaide Hills (three of modern South Australia’s pre-eminent wine regions) and pioneering winemakers were beginning to make their mark. It is significant that eight of the 13 oldest wine companies or continuously operating brands in Australia are South Australian. Established between 1841 and 1853 they include household names Penfold’s, Orlando, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba, alongside Bleasdale, Normans, Sevenhill Cellars and Oliver’s Taranga. The likes of Saltram and Hardys Tintara were soon to follow. South Australia has the some of the oldest producing grape vines in the world because our industry remains Phylloxera free. The State has strict biosecurity measures in place to prevent this root eating bug from taking hold in the wine regions.

Today, the industry supports not only highly regarded, established wine producers, but a large number of exciting young, innovative winemakers who embrace the use of alternative varietals and natural winemaking principles of minimal interventions and organic farming. Sign up for our e-news Register here to receive the Great Wine Capitals E-Newsletter SIGN UP » Wines of Australia. Wine Country, Wines and Vineyards Australian wine country is some of the nicest and most unique in the world.... Aussie wines are awesome. I have been to the NAPA and Sonoma Valleys in California several times and there are a lot of Australian wines and vineyards that truly rival the U.S. wines. I have also been to France on 2 occassions. They make great wine but it is not all that affordable. However, part of the fun and enjoyment for wine lovers is to travel and visit the vineyards. Australia has a whole host of wine tours available and a huge selection of wonderful places to stay in key wine areas such as the Hunter and Barossa Valleys. Over the years, the Australian wine industry has been successful to say the least.

In fact, in a Financial Times news story on March 2, 2001, it was stated that Australian wines were challenging the French wines in the U.K. In 1990 there were 85,000 litres of Australian wine exported to the U.K. and in 1999, this had increased to 1.2 million litres. Other wine journals such as the Wine Spectator are giving Australian wines their true deserve. Just take a look at the July 31, 2001 edition. Australia's Chardonnays are stated as being California's biggest rival and coming on a strong. Watch out NAPA! Of course, Australian wines were not always this successful and Australia was always considered a nation of beer drinkers . It has been a long and hard struggle to gain the international recognition and success. In fact, the wine industry in Australia originated in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip brought vine cuttings into Australia from Europe. They were first planted where the Botanic Gardens are now situated in Sydney but they did not thrive because of the unsuitable soil composition.

It wasn't until John MacArthur planted vines in the fertile Hunter Valley, north of Sydney, did they begin to thrive. Today, the Hunter Valley is one of the world's best wine growing regions. Over the years, much of the European immigration to Australia helped to shape the wine industry. The Barossa Valley in South Australia was largely influenced by the German Lutheran population that settled there as they were fleeing religious persecution. As a result, there are still Rieslings produced in this area today. Similarly, the wine industry in Victoria was influenced by Swiss settlers. Victoria quickly went on to become the premier wine growing region responsible for 75% of Australia's wine production during the 1890's. In these early years, fortified wines became very popular. In fact, Port is still quite popular in many Australian households. During the 1930's fortified wines were popular as it was the Depression and these wines were the most affordable beverage. The dominance of the fortified wine lasted for 70 to 80 years until the 1970's when table wines began to take over. Much of the popularity of the table wine can be attributed to the European immigrant influence.

After World War 2 there was an influx in European immigration and they brought much of their culture with them, one of which was the consumption of table wines. Some of the key wine growing areas in Australia include; Barossa Valley: The Barossa Valley is north east of Adelaide, South Australia, and has a hot climate. Penfolds is one of the more famous wineries in this region. Barossa is renowned for its Rieslings which is indicative of the Valley's German heritage, and for the reds such as Shiraz and Cabernets. Hunter Valley: The Hunter Valley is another hot area and is located north of Sydney, New South Wales. This area is within easy reach of Sydney for a day trip or you can stay overnight at one of the many bed and breakfasts. Some of the more notable vineyards include Rosemount, and Rothbury. A variety of wines are grown in the Hunter Valley, including Shiraz and Semillon. As well as visiting the larger vineyards, you will want to check out some of the smaller boutique wines. Clare Valley: The Clare Valley is a cooler growing area located in South Australia, north of Adelaide.

This is an area of four interconnecting valleys, the Clare, Polish River, Watervale and Skillogallee. The main wines from the Clare Valley are the whites such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Semillon. Coonawarra: Coonawarra lies to the south east of Adelaide and is more noted for it's reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The area has a cooler climate and is also noted for is reddish coloured terra rossa soil. Penfolds grows some its grapes here for some of its Cabernets. One of the more popular wines from this region includes the Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Yarra Valley: The Yarra Valley is located in Victoria, north east of Melbourne. It has a temperate climate and is noted for making the cooler climate varietals. The Pinot Noir is popular here and one of the better wines that we have tried from this area is Coldsteam Hills. This is just a sampling of the wine growing regions in Australia. Wines are also grown in Western Australia in the Swan Valley and Margaret River, the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria , McLaren Vale and Padthaway in South Australia and also in Tasmania .

Today, Australia produces many of the best traditional wines such as Cabernets and Chardonnays and they also have a flair for being experimental. There are varieties such as the Pinot Chardonnay which are becoming more popular and an ever increasing number of un-wooded wines that are fermented in steel vats. Currently, Australian wines are exported to 77 countries and sales exceeded $1 billion in 1999 for the first time. There were 612 million litres produced and 38% was exported to countries such as the U.K., United States, Germany, New Zealand and Canada. Exports rose 12% compared with the 1998-99 season. In 1999, there were more red grape varieties planted than white and record amounts of grapes were crushed. Of all the grapes grown in Australia, 85% went to wine production. The total area of vines increased in all states with South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria leading the way. The main wines produced are Chardonnays, followed by the Shiraz.

Others include the Pinot Noir, Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Riesling and the Sauvignon Blanc. For more information about where to stay and what to do in Australia's wine regions, please see our wine pages for New South Wales , Victoria , South Australia and Western Australia . Useful Links for Tours, Vineyards and Accommodation: Encounter Australian Wine Tours: If you are interested in wine and seeing the very best Australia has to offer, why not combine the two with an Encounter Australia Wine Tour. Encounter Australia are the destination wine tour specialist in Australia. We offer the ultimate travel experience to the premium wine regions, gourmet food with fine wines, luxurious accommodation, and the magnificent natural scenery of Australia. Choose from a one day tour to your favourite wine region through to a 12 day Wine Extravagance. We invite you to have a look at our pages and discover the wonders of Australia and our world class wine. We are also able to custom design tours to suit your personal needs.

Barossa Daimler Tours : Winners of tourism awards and critical acclaim, Barossa Daimler Tours have the knowledge to show you their little piece of paradise and fill it with history, fine regional food, winemakers, cellars, and golden sunsets. Barossa Experience Tours : Personal escorted wine & heritage tours of the Barossa Valley for 2-6 guests. Barossa Region: You will find the area is unique in Australia and this site has been designed to help you discover, experience and enjoy the best of the Barossa. The combination of a rich European heritage and the fresh vitality of Australia is embodied in the lifestyle of the Barossa. Premium wines, fine restaurants, magnificent old churches, wineries and cottages, traditional music, butchers and bakers, all in a peaceful rural setting where each season accentuates the beauty of the vineyards and the undulating hills. Whether here for business or pleasure, we invite you to share our Barossa with us. Hunter Vineyard Tours: Leave your driving worries behind. Sit back and relax in air-conditioned comfort as the coach travels through the lush rural countryside of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

You will visit a range of wineries, from small family owned to large, world famous wineries, with generous tastings of all types of wine. Included is a guided tour of a selected winery. Margaret River Region: Comprehensive listing of attractions, wineries and events in the Margaret River Wine Region, Western Australia. National Wine Centre: As an icon for the Australian wine industry, the National Wine Centre of Australia will provide world class interpretive, educational and entertainment facilities, representing every wine region in the country. The Centre will lead visitors on an exciting and dynamic interactive journey through the Australian wine industry, making it a must-see attraction for anyone captivated by the mystique of wine and its production. Situated adjacent to Adelaideï¿½s stunning Botanic Garden, the $24.7 million National Wine Centre of Australia will offer the complete wine experience. Penfolds: " Penfolds has been named Red Winemaker of the Year (2000) at the world's most important wine competition, Britain's International Wine Challenge, which this year attracted 9300 entries from 35 countries.

Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Mr John Duval, who received the award in London last night (September 6), said the Challenge was considered the most comprehensive and rigorously judged international wine competition, with gold medals awarded to less than two per cent of all entries." Victoria Winery Tours: We have designed a number of special tours to enable you to experience the best things in life - good food, fine wine and the Victorian countryside. Whatever your passion is, combine it with a glass of wine and it makes a perfect day. All our tours are small group tours, with a minimum of two passengers and a maximum of eight passengers per vehicle, with a flexible itinerary. We feel the best way to enjoy the countryside, food and wine is with a small group and in a luxury, air-conditioned mini-bus. Of course, if you have a larger group, please let us give you a quote for a separate tour. Getting to Know Australian Wine - dummies Getting to Know Australian Wine Getting to Know Australian Wine Getting to Know Australian Wine Make no mistake about it: Australia is one of the world powers of wine. It is famous for its fresh, fruity red and white table wines that manage to be extremely consistent in quality.

The country has about 2,000 wineries, many of which are small, family-owned companies. However, four mega-companies — Foster’s Wine Group, Constellation Wines, Pernod Ricard, and McGuigan Simeon Wines — together with one family-owned winery, Casella Wines, are responsible for about two-thirds of Australia’s wine production. Winemaking Down Under Australia’s number-one grape for fine wine is Syrah, locally called Shiraz, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon (pronounced SEM eh lon in Australia, as opposed to the French sem ee yon elsewhere in the world), Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are generally labeled with the name of their grape variety, which must constitute at least 85 percent of the wine.

Shiraz wines are particularly interesting because they come in numerous styles, from inexpensive, juicy wines brimming with ripe plum and blackberry fruit to serious wines that express specific regional characteristics, such as spice and pepper from cool-climate areas (such as Yarra Valley and the Adelaide Hills) or sweet-fruit ripeness from warmer areas (such as McLaren Vale, Barossa, and Clare). The wines of Australia have two distinct faces: Most Australian wines in export markets are inexpensive varietal wines that sell for $10 a bottle or less. These wines are generally labeled simply as coming from South Eastern Australia, meaning that the grapes could have come from any of three states, a huge territory. Often sporting whimsical labels, they are user-friendly wines that preserve the intense flavors of their grapes and are soft and pleasant to drink young. Higher-priced wines carry more focused regional designations, such as single states (South Australia, for example) or even tighter region-specific designations (such as Coonawarra). Although these wines are also enjoyable when released, they are more serious wines that can also age. Australia now has 60 wine regions and more than 100 Geographic Indications (GIs).

Main wine-producing regions Australia’s most important state for wine production is South Australia, whose capital is Adelaide. South Australia makes about 50 percent of Australia’s wine. While many vineyards in South Australia produce inexpensive wines for the thirsty home market, vineyards closer to Adelaide make wines that are considered among the country’s finest. Among these fine wine regions are Barossa Valley: North of Adelaide, this is one of Australia’s oldest areas for fine wine; it’s a relatively warm area famous especially for its robust Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, as well as rich Semillon and Riesling (grown in the cooler hills). Most of Australia’s largest wineries, including Penfolds, are based here. Clare Valley: North of the Barossa Valley, this climatically diverse area makes the country’s best Rieslings in a dry, weighty yet crisp style, as well as fine Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. McLaren Vale: South of Adelaide, with a mild climate influenced by the sea, this region is particularly admired for its Shiraz, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

Adelaide Hills: Situated partially within the Adelaide city limits, this fairly cool region sits between the Barossa and McLaren Vale areas and is the home to rather good Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Limestone Coast: This unique zone along the southern coast of South Australia is an important area for fine wine, both red and white, thanks to the prevalence of limestone in the soil. Two of the six regions within the Limestone Coast zone are famous in their own right — the cool Coonawarra for some of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon wines, and Padthaway for its white wines, particularly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. New South Wales, with its capital, Sydney, is Australia’s most populous state and the first to grow vines; today it makes 31 percent of Australia’s wine. High-volume production of everyday wines comes from an interior area called the Riverina. (Its alternate name is Murrumbidgee.) Fine wine, for now, comes from three other areas: Hunter Valley: An historic grape-growing area that begins 80 miles north of Sydney.

The Lower Hunter, with a warm, damp climate and heavy soils, produces long-lived Semillon as its best wine. The Upper Hunter is a drier area farther from the coast. Mudgee: An interior area near the mountains. Mudgee specializes in reds such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but also makes Chardonnay. Orange: A cool, high-altitude area making distinctive white wines and also very good reds. The other wine regions in Australia include the states of Victoria and Western Australia, and the island of Tasmania.

Question: Which valley in South Australia produces most of that State's wine?
Answer: BAROSSA